The morning sun rose in the east.
Several Konoha shinobi busied themselves at the border, first using Earth Release to level the ground before setting up tables, chairs, and refreshments.
Soon, shinobi from Kumogakure arrived. This time, neither side attacked—instead, they carefully inspected the surroundings and the ground beneath for any hidden traps laid by the other party.
Today was the meeting of the two villages' Kage. If either were ambushed here, it would be an absolute disgrace.
When it came to the safety of their own Kage, no amount of caution was excessive.
Fortunately, neither side had hostile intentions this time, and the meeting grounds were quickly prepared. Afterward, shinobi from both villages stood guard on either side.
Throughout the process, members of the Hyūga branch family kept their Byakugan active, scanning the surroundings to prevent any hidden ambushes from the Kumo shinobi.
The Kumo shinobi noticed but said nothing.
Konoha had the Byakugan—what could they say, other than envy?
By ten o'clock, shinobi from both Konoha and Kumogakure had halted a kilometer away, securing the perimeter to prevent any unauthorized entry.
The Hyūga clan's Byakugan remained vigilant, continuously monitoring the area to ensure Tsunade's safety.
Since becoming Hokage, Tsunade had earned the respect of most through her capabilities. The Hyūga clan, in particular, held her in high regard.
Not only had she appointed Hyūga Hiashi as an advisor, but more importantly, she treated all clans equally, without favoritism or suppression—a stance that satisfied them greatly.
Tsunade soon came face-to-face with the Fourth Raikage. Eyeing his towering physique, she nodded.
"Not bad. Looks like Kumo's food is good—you're even bulkier than last time."
Raikage A also studied Tsunade, noting that her appearance hadn't changed from years past.
"The debt from last time has been settled. Don't expect any mercy today."
He was referring to the time he had fallen victim to the Tsuchigumo clan's secret technique and was saved by Tsunade, who then demanded a hefty sum of money in return, clearing any remaining obligations.
"Of course. But if you ever need my services again, don't hesitate to call!" Tsunade sighed nostalgically at the memory of that windfall.
Kumogakure really was loaded.
If she could pull off a few more deals like that, she'd not only pay off her debts but also have plenty left over for her indulgences.
"There won't be a next time!" The Raikage's already dark complexion turned even darker.
If it weren't for the fact that this was Tsunade, and if Tsunade weren't a woman, the Raikage would've already greeted her with his fist.
"Don't be so tense!"
Tsunade gestured for him to take a seat. "You're the guest here."
"This is the Land of Hot Springs' territory. You're not the host here either!" the Raikage retorted bluntly before sitting on a cushion.
"Look at you, all big and brawny, yet so petty." Tsunade casually poured tea before eyeing him. "If you're afraid of poison, I'd advise against eating or drinking anything."
"As if your people could poison me!" The Raikage scoffed, then glanced at the vigilant Konoha shinobi in the distance.
"What do you think your shinobi would do if I killed you right here?"
Tsunade smirked dismissively.
"Save the threats. I'm not some weakling you can just crush." She wasn't about to back down either.
Truthfully, neither of them had a mild temperament. The fact that they hadn't started fighting the moment they met was already a miracle.
Backing down? Not a chance.
"Honestly, aside from Kakashi, there's no one from your younger generation worth remembering." Raikage A snorted.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Did you forget about Gai? You're not that old—don't tell me you're already senile."
"You're the senile one!"
"Relax," Tsunade said with a smirk. "Even ten years from now, I'll still look like this. No senility in sight."
"Enough with the nonsense!" Raikage growled. "Why are you really here?"
Tsunade crossed her arms. "Shouldn't I be the one asking that? What are you doing all the way out here instead of lounging in Kumogakure? Looking for a fight?"
"If that's what it comes to, I'm not backing down." Raikage replied, his tone sharp. "You think I'm afraid?"
"Coming here to stir up trouble and then blaming us—what kind of logic is that? Don't twist things to make it Konoha's fault." Tsunade scoffed.
"If you're a man, settle it with your fists! Quit yapping like a woman!" A barked.
"Oh, but I am a woman." Tsunade said, her grin widening. "What're you gonna do about it?"
"I'm too magnanimous to bother with you." A sneered.
"Good. Just remember, no matter how bad I beat you up, I can always patch you back together. I'll even give you a discount—call it a friends-and-family rate."
Raikage's expression darkened. "You know, the last person who talked to me like that ended up with broken bones."
"Then send him my way." Tsunade replied calmly. "I'll fix him up just fine. My medical-nin skills are top-tier. You can relax."
"Enough of this nonsense. Just tell me—how much is Konoha willing to compensate us?" A pressed.
This time, Tsunade didn't respond immediately. Instead, she studied the Raikage with a meaningful gaze.
"You're the ones who came looking for trouble. We've been generous enough not to retaliate, and now you demand compensation? Where's your shame? Or did you leave it back in Kumo?"
For the sake of compensation, the Raikage was willing to throw shame out the window.
When real benefits were at stake, pride was irrelevant.
"I've heard Ōnoki is planning to move against Konoha. The number of shinobi he's trained over the years is staggering—even I find it alarming. Pay the right price, and I'll help Konoha crush Iwa. How's that sound?"
Tsunade picked up a piece of fruit and took a leisurely bite.
"And if we refuse? Are you saying Kumo will ally with Iwa instead?"
She didn't voice the rest of her thoughts—pushing the Raikage too far wouldn't be wise.
After all, the Third Raikage had died fighting Iwa's forces, overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
Given that history, an alliance between Kumo and Iwa was unlikely.
If not for that, Tsunade might've been facing both the Raikage and the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, right now.
"Who knows?"
The Raikage grabbed an orange and bit into it—peel and all—chewing savagely.
"My grudge with Iwa can wait, but chances to take advantage of Konoha don't come often." He laid his cards on the table. "If Iwa attacks Konoha, Kumo's involvement could tip the scales in either side's favor. If you refuse my offer, I'll have no choice but to discuss terms with that old man Ōnoki."
"Sure, he might offer less, but carving up the Land of Fire would still be profitable."
Tsunade's smile faded, her expression turning serious.
"Are you saying Kumo is prepared for war with Konoha?"
The Raikage shrugged.
"You can interpret it that way. After all, we didn't come all this way for nothing. How about this—Konoha pays a small price, and we head home peacefully. Deal?"
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